Mormon doctrine teaches the Holy Ghost is exclusive to LDS. Yet other churches teach of the Holy Ghost too...?

Question

Are they talking about the same thing? Whenever someone is converted to LDS, they get the 'gift' of the Holy Ghost by the laying on the hands... If they leave the church, supposedly they lose that gift. It is made out to be a very exclusive 'gift.'

So other churches have it too.. How could that be possible?

Hey, this is a very strong doctrine of the church. It is a big deal to them to have this exclusive club of Holy Ghost holders.

Answer 1

The "Power of the Holy Ghost" can be felt by anyone. It is a gift from God to help man to recognize the truth of his gospel. The Holy Ghost can bare witness of truth directly to ones heart mind and spirit.

The "Gift of the Holy Ghost" is a little different. It allows a person to have the Holy Ghost as a constant companion to lead, guide and comfort. The "Gift of the Holy Ghost" can be conferred only by the laying on of hands by those who hold the Gods restored Priesthood. This is done shortly after baptism.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints does not claim to own or have exclusive rights to the Holy Ghost. It does, however, claim to be Gods restored gospel in the latter days. This includes Gods priesthood and the authority to confer the Gift of the Holy Ghost on it's members.

Answer 2

Actually we aren't talking about the same thing only because other Christian religions believe that the holy ghost is God and the LDS church believes that he is a seperate being. Every can feel the presence of the holy ghost. The holy ghost testifies of all truth not just "mormon truth". The gift of the holy ghost is the privilidge of having the influence of the holy ghost with you at all times rather than just sometimes. It is a gift that comes with confirmation in the church. The laying on of hands to give the gift of the Holy Ghost was practiced by the early apostles and can be read about in the new testament.
BTW here is a better web site www.mormon.org

Answer 3

LOL!

The Holy Ghost is no more exclusive to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints than air is to the human race.

I am a member of that Church too! Now, that said, the GIFT of the Holy Ghost is a different matter entirely. As it says in the New Testament, the Gift must be given by the laying on of hands. Therefore, it must be done through the proper Preiesthood Authority. As it says in Hebrew, no man can take this honor unto himself...the only place the true Priesthood of God can be found is in the Church of Jesus Christ.

All people can feel the Holy Ghost and be directed by it, though - just like all people can breathe.

Answer 4

Everyone can have the influence of the Holy Ghost, but just like how it says in the Bible you must be baptized and then you will receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost which is the constant companionship of the Spirit. Now the real question is who can baptize? Only those with the authority, like how the apostles chosen by Christ went out and baptized, and one must recieve that by the Laying on of hands, like it says in the Bible, by one having authority, because how can one give something he does not have?

That is why we always ask people to read and pray sincerely about the Book of Mormon so that the Spirit can tell them if it is true or not.

Answer 5

It's not exclusive. I just think that we see it in a different way. The Holy Ghost is kinda like a concious, which everyone has. ( well almost everyone-) when you are given the gift of the Holy Ghost by the priesthood, it takes on a more serious form. He is a constant companion that will help guide you to make right decisions as long as you are living in a way that His presence can be with you. It's like a hypersensitive concious i guess would be a way to describe it. I'm not sure how other religions view the Holy Ghost, but the one's that i do know don't believe that he is with you. They believe that he is one with Jesus and Heavenly Father, and He is the spirit that resides with Them. I could mistaken, but that's what the difference is. He can be our PERSONAL companion.

Answer 6

The Mormon church teaches that a lot of things are exclusive to them.
The Holy Ghost that they talk about is very much like what the rest of the church calls the Holy Spirit. There are some differences and you should look at the differences of what the Mormons mean when they talk about the God, the Holy Ghost and Jesus.
irr.org
bcmmin.org
mrm.org

Answer 7

We are the only ones who have the authority from God to bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost, and are able to do so to those who are baptized and worthy, through the power of the priesthood. (sorry, run-on :) All people are born into this life with the Light of Christ, aka, your conscience. This allows all to know right from wrong. The gift of the Holy Ghost is bestowed, to those that have been baptized, with the power of the priesthood. It allows us to have the Holy Ghost with us, if we are worthy. If we are not, then we chase it away, and yes, as you said can lose it. They may think that they have it, but they do not because they do not have the authority. They can feel the influence of it, when they hear truth, but they do not have the promise of having it with them at all times.

Answer 8

You gain the Holy Ghost as a "constant companion" to help you discern truth. Prior to this, you may have felt the spirit from time to time but not as a constant.

Answer 9

Mormons believe that THEIR Holy Ghost is the only real one. As far as they are concerned the other religions are just pretending.

Answer 10

It's kind of like the difference between "Swiss and Basmati" and "Cheese and Rice"